Crayon Sky Music

Fixed between the American Standard series and the MIM Standard series, Fender’s USA-made Highway One Strat is a unique guitar that is definitely worthwhile of the name “Fender.” What makes this particular Stratocaster unique?

We reviewed a Highway One Strat that came in a classy Flat Black finish. In order to trim costs, Fender elected a light nitro satin finish for this series. In addition to being more budget-friendly, it has a unique look that we really liked. More than a cost-cutting strategy, though, the lighter finish will let the guitar’s alder body resonate more freely over time.

Here’s the rundown on the other details. It features large frets, a 70′s style headstock, vintage vibrato, C-shaped neck, maple or rosewood fingerboard, 3 single-coil pickups (Alnico 3 magnets), and a “Greasebucket” tone control circuit. In order to trim costs, the instrument ships with a gig bag instead of a hardshell case.

Although it’s got some noticeable differences from the American Standard series, it was clear from the first chord that this is a top-notch USA-made instrument. Like we stated before, the nitro satin finish is nice and one that some people might actually prefer over the American Standard’s glossy finish.

The pickups were hot and punchy, and the Greasebucket circuit (which allows you to turn down the highs without increasing the bass) is a nice addition. We could get tones from classic rock crunch to Texas blues with little effort.

The C-shaped neck also gave the instrument its own flavor. It’s a little big for some folks, but we really dug the combination of the larger neck and large frets. It really facilitated sweep arpeggios and similar “shredding” technique. The neck construction quality was consummate, as was the maple fretboard we chose.

The guitar’s big frets also give the guitar a feel that sets it apart from the American Standard and Standard series. Our thought was that it made the guitar very easy to play.

Plainly, we genuinely liked the Fender Highway One Stratocaster. It’s a quality instrument made in the USA that won’t bankrupt you. It’s not just a “budget” American Strat. It has a life of its own, from the large frets to the satin finish to the C-shaped neck. It takes a notable place in the Fender guitar lineup.

2008 Fender Custom Shop Telecaster 58 Reissue Relic. plus Fender Vibrolux Blackface Part 1